Disclaimer: I do not own FF7 nor the cover pic.

Chapter 10: Three words; Eight Letters

Chiba City was being engulfed by the warm spring air as the snow was slowly melting and the birds start to sing. Zack stared out the window at the first bird of the new season and smiled as he sipped his black coffee at a popular café within the city. He smirked to himself when he heard a table nearby full of women whispering about him. He ran his hand through his hair and flashed a cool smile at the giggling table full of cute women.

"Still the same huh Zack?"

Zack looked up to see the emerald eye girl scowling in annoyance at him. Zack continued to smile then let out a soft chuckle, "Yo Aeris, grab a seat." He pointed to the empty chair in front of him across the table.

Aeris draped her large purse on the empty seat and glanced over at the table of women. She couldn't help but smile inside when they were now frowning and looking away from them as they noticed Aeris was sitting.

"How are things going?" Zack casually asked as he flagged the server down to order Aeris her usual latte.

Aeris sighed, "Our last year is so much homework and projects. I hope this last semester goes by soon so I can just graduate already…"

"You still want to study flowers?"

She thought for a moment, "Of course! I want to breed different kinds together and hopefully open up my own flower shop."

Zack stared at the huge smile that spread across her face from her passion.

"It's been a while since I seen you smile like that Aeris."

"What do you mean? I always smile Zack," She pouted with confusion. "Ah thank you," she looked up at the waitress who was setting down her latte in front of her. The waitress nodded before turning to Zack and asking if he needed anything else with a flirtatious smile.

"We are good thank you," Aeris chimed in with an annoyed look. "Seriously Zack, how rude women can be by just being so obvious like that, especially if I was your girlfriend!"

"But you are not," his eyes glimmered as he sipped the hot coffee. "I think it's rude for a woman to force a man to be with her."

She froze at the remark, "What do you mean by that?"

"Come on Aeris, you know what is going on with Cloud. I know you aren't blind," He gently said to the wide emerald eyes.

"What are you talking about Zack? We are doing just fine."

"Are you? Has he kissed you yet? Do you feel like he is really your boyfriend? Don't be fucking blind with this Aeris," Zack gritted his teeth as he continued to stare at her. He waited a moment for her to take in what he was saying before continuing, "Aeris, you should be with someone that loves you the same as you love them."

Aeris lifted her eyes to him which were now filled with tears, "I love him Zack. I was so alone before I met him. How can I let some other girl take him away from me?" She knew how desperate she sounded but she didn't care. Her heart and everything is Cloud.

"Aeris, you are making Cloud guilty into being with you. It's not fair to my best friend-"

"Shut up Zack!" Aeris interrupted. "As long as I continue to love him he will start to develop feelings for me. I already know he is starting to!"

"Even if he could be fucking Tifa?" He knew he had crossed the line but he needed to in order for Aeris to think straight but her response was a slap to his right cheek. The other guest in the café remained silent as they watch the dramatic scene unfold.

Aeris brought her hands to cover her gaping mouth not believing what she had done as the tears gently cascade from her eyes. She grabbed her purse and ran out the door as quickly as possible. Zack chuckled as he rubbed his throbbing cheek.

She definitely can slap a guy…

The café became lively again as the guests started to chat amongst themselves ignoring what had happened since the drama has past.

"Sir, are y-you okay?"

Zack lifted his eyes to the pretty blonde waitress and gave her a charming smile, "Yes, I am okay. She's just a friend."

The waitress smiled at the comment, "Would you like me to bring over the check for your drinks? I will take her drink off the bill."

"Thank you, I appreciate it but I am actually expecting some friends," He told her. As if on cue he watched Cloud and Vincent walk through the door. He knew Aeris wasn't going to stay for the meal as she usually always excused herself after the latte. Cloud was first to approach the table.

"Yo Cloud. It's been a while, how are things going man?"

Cloud set his helmet down at the seat where Aeris had her purse and set his black light jacket gently on the backrest of his chair that Aeris also sat in. He gave a slight smile and shrug as he looked through the menu that was already placed on the table.

"Choosing the quiet route this morning are we? How about you Vincent?" Zack probed as he turned to the long dark hair man sipping on his black coffee.

"It's going good actually," he replied casually while staring at his two friends. His eyes narrowed at Zack as he studied his face, "Why is your cheek so red? Did someone slap you?"

Zack laughed while rubbing his cheek, "Don't worry about it. It's something I have to think about solving later."

Vincent sighed at Zack before continuing to stare at the two of them, "There is a reason why I asked you both here."

Cloud and Zack looked at each other interestedly before turning back to their friend.

"Is everything okay? Don't tell me you need advice with your girlfriend of yours?" Zack asked as his eyes widen with genuine concern. He knew this was Vincent's first real relationship and he could be confused on the topic of women.

Vincent snickered at Zack while giving him a smirk, "I was debating if I should ask her hand in marriage…"

Zack spat out his warm coffee, "W-what?"

"Congrats man, I didn't know you were ready for marriage," Cloud finally spoke as he smiled at Vincent.

Vincent ran his hand through his long hair, "Well I didn't think I was ready but I really do love her. I just don't know or how I am going to do it yet." He played with the handle of his coffee mug, "We are going to graduate soon so why not start our life together after?"

Zack finally gave him a smile, "Hey I am the master of romance. I can help you plan something out."

Cloud and Vincent laughed in unison at the confused face Zack was presenting.

"Are you sure you are a master of romance when it looks like you got a slapped on the fucking face?" Cloud joked to his best friend. They laughed together as the blonde waitress returned to take their orders for breakfast.

"What about you Cloud? How are you and Aeris?" Zack inquired as he spread butter over the warm bread that was placed upon the table. He knew exactly how the relationship was going.

"It's the same."

"When are you going to end it?" Zack queried a little further. His eyes were serious as he bit into the soft bread.

"Zack, that's enough…" Vincent cut in as he too tore the bread apart before eating it.

"What do you mean enough? Cloud needs to fucking stop with this," Zack fumed at Vinent before turning back to Cloud. "Aeris fucking loves you man and you have another girl on your mind every time you are with her."

Cloud placed his thumb and index finger at the bridge of his nose as if he had a headache from the conversation with his best friend.

"Zack… you and I know very well that I can't just end it like that. That hand print on your cheek can confirm that."

Zack widen his eyes and surprised, "How did you-"

Cloud just raised his hand to silent his best friend while still holding the bridge of his nose. They remained silent as their breakfast approached the table.

…

"Sorry I have been busy with teaching Tifa…"

"It's okay Sephiroth. Second semester is always the busiest…" Tifa was casually walking the boardwalk away from her home. She held the phone between her ear and shoulder as she bent down to tie her black converse shoes.

"How is the semester going for your last year?"

Tifa thought for a moment before standing back up, "It's really hectic actually. I think Yuf is about to pull her hair out too." She giggled into the phone as she kicked a small pebble along her way.

"I promise after I am done I will make it up to you. I miss you Tifa…"

She could hear him exhale on the end of the line. She knew Sephiroth was getting frustrated that they haven't been spending time with each other let alone furthering their relationship.

"I miss you too Sephiroth…" She replied back to him as she sat at a nearby bench and stared up at the blue sky. Blue…

"Do you really mean that?"

She giggled, "Of course I do. You are my boyfriend after all."

She heard a sigh of relief from him before clearing of his throat, "I have to get back and finish all this fucking work. I will text you later alright?"

They said their goodbyes before she hung up her cellphone and slid it into her coat pocket. She brought her knees to her chest as she rested her chin on the top of her knees and closed her eyes. It was a Saturday and she had nothing to do.

She grimaced as she felt a tugging on her shoe lace and opened her eyes to see a blue chocobo biting at them.

"Hey cutie, why are you biting at my shoes?" She pets the chocobo on the top of its head. It closed its eyes as it snuggled into her knees. "You are so beautiful. I always wanted a blue chocobo!" She peeked down at the name tag that was hanging around its neck.

"Azul!"

She looked up to see where the voice was coming from. She frowned when she could not locate it and glanced back down at the chocobo, "Azul, I think your owner is calling for you. You should go before you get into trouble." She ruffled the soft feathers and giggled as it did not want to leave. As she was leaning down the chocobo started to nab at her moogle necklace dangling down.

"Hey stop that! Don't you know that this is supposed to be my lucky charm?" Tifa stated as she tucked the necklace inside her shirt.

"Azul! Where the hell are you?"

The voice is now clear and more prominent. Tifa heart stopped as she knew who that voice belongs to and slowly raised from the bench. She turned to see the handsome blonde stopping several yards from her front. His azure met the ruby with surprised. They had not seen each other since Christmas Eve.

He walked over to her and bent down to pet the blue chocobo, "I see you have a fine taste in woman Azul."

Tifa blushed at the sudden compliment and watched Cloud stood back up facing her.

"Thanks for finding Azul Tif," Cloud gave her a gentle smile. Tifa remained emotionless as she continued to stare at the handsome face. She was brought back to reality as she felt a tugging on her coat sleeve. She peeked down to see Azul biting at her coat.

"Azul, no!" Cloud firmly said to his chocobo to which it stopped. He looked back up to apologize to her but instead was greeted by a giggling face.

"He is really cute Cloud!" She gleefully said as she bent back down to pet it some more. "Azul, are you going for a walk today on the beach?"

Cloud smiled at the evolving scene, "We have a chill day today. Azul really likes the beach so I usually take him for a walk here."

"Well I hope you enjoy your walk Azul!" She pets it once more before standing back up. "I guess I will be going now." She quickly turned around to only be held back by the familiar tugging on her sleeve.

Cloud gave her a laugh, "I think Azul wants you to come with us."

Tifa blushed, "I am not sure if it's a good idea…"

He stepped closer to her, "Why because of Sephiroth?"

"What about Aeris?" She muttered. Cloud groaned as he ran his hand through the soft spikes. He grabbed her hand and pulled her along the boardwalk.

"Cloud! What are you doing? Let go!" Tifa begged as she tried to unclasp his firm grip. When he stopped to turn to her, Tifa caught her breath. She was engulfed by the vivid blue.

"Can't we go out as friends?" When she didn't respond he continued to hold her hand and led her down the boardwalk. Azul was happily running along in front on them as they followed it.

They walked in a comfortable silence just enjoying the peaceful scenery. Tifa looked down to see their hands still embracing each other's. She blushed again as she looked away towards the ocean waves crashing onto the shore line.

"How are you and Sephiroth?" Cloud filled the quiet air with his subtle question.

Tifa was caught off guard, "Um, he is busy a lot with professor duties…" She stared at the chocobo in front. "How is Aeris? I haven't seen her for a while."

"I am not sure," Cloud said quietly remembering the slap mark on his best friend prior. He knew he had to talk to Aeris soon.

"What do you mean not sure?" She stopped suddenly and dropped her hands from his grip.

He let out a long breath he has been holding in, "She had a fight with Zack without me knowing. "

"A fight? About what?" Tifa dug a little further.

He gave her a relaxed smile, "I don't know. I have an idea though." He continued walking as Azul was tugging on his sleeve.

Tifa stole a look up at Cloud and studied his calm face as he stared forward. She pondered on why they always somehow find each other when they tried to avoid it. She felt like he was her Romeo and she was his Juliet.

The forbidden love.

Her eyes weld up as her heart ache when she is this close to him. Cloud sensed her not walking with him anymore as he did not feel her presence near him. He turned and looked back at the distraught girl standing on the empty sidewalk with her head hanging down. He was hesitant at first but he slowly walked towards her wondering what was wrong with the raven hair beauty.

"Hey Tif, what's wrong?" He raised his hand to her face but was only pushed away. He was surprised when she looked up at him with tears flowing down from her flushed face. Cloud didn't know what to do as his heart ached seeing her cry. He stepped closer to embrace her but to only be pushed back again.

"Tifa…?"

"Cloud, why are you tormenting me?" She asked quietly while she stared at those bright azures. Cloud opened his mouth but no words were sounded.

"Why do you put me through this? Every time you get close to me I fall more and more because you do that to me. Then you push me away to be with her!"Tifa voice was shaky but becoming evidently louder as her hands turned into a fist.

"Tifa…I am not-"

"Yes you are! You kiss me and hold me yet you return to her! The only reason I am with Sephiroth is to get away from you!" She was bawling as she confessed her sin. "But you always come and torment me with your actions!"

She started to back away from him. Cloud soul felt cold as he was astonished by her sudden outburst. He stepped closer to her as she retreated.

"Don't come near me! I can't fucking stand you disturbing my feelings Cloud. I can't do this anymore. If you are going to be with Aeris then don't come to this area anymore. Don't see me ever again because every time you do, I won't be able to stop loving you!"

Tifa turned and ran away from Cloud before he could say another word. He stared hopeless at her but the anger weld up within him as his heart was racing. His legs and heart betrayed him as he sprinted after her with the blue chocobo following close behind him. He reached for her hand and spun her around to face him.

Her red eyes looked up at him with surprised as she felt those lips crashed down onto hers. Her words were muffled into his lips as she tried to push back from him but his strong arms wrapped around her, holding her in place where she belongs.

She managed to push back, "S-stop Cloud!"

His lips returned to hers, full of desire.

She gave in to him.

She let herself be engulfed by him. Her eyes were still close as he pulled away from her breathing heavily from his run to her. He stared at the tranquility that bestowed upon them.

"I love you…"

Her eyes flew open as she heard those dangerous three words, eight letters. Her heart was bursting through her chest as she continued to stare into those beautiful eyes. He brought his hand to caress the side of her face as he lowered back down to what was his.

That kiss was more passionate than ever before. Their love was hungry for each other as for the first time; their tongues collided into each other introducing themselves. The rhythm was synchronized as they danced with each other. She brought her hands up to his shoulders to grab onto the cotton fabric bringing him closer as his hands were still on her face and neck.

I love you too Cloud.

…

"So why are we meeting here?" The emerald eye shifted nervously around as she sat in the dark booth sipping on a martini.

A dark chuckle sounded across the table from her. A pale hand reached out and circled the glass rim with his finger. He leaned forward towards her as his long silver hair draped down to the table.

"We have a… an issue rather arising," the silky voice said to the nervous girl. Aeris felt the shivers run down her spine as she stared at the handsome yet oddly terrifying face.

"W-what do you mean?" She asked Sephiroth as narrowed her eyes questioningly.

He revealed a small smirk, "It seems your boyfriend has fallen in love."

Her eyes enlarged at the word 'love' as her face cheeks became bright pink matching the ribbon in her hair, "Love?" Her heart fluttered as she thought of the handsome blonde.

Sephiroth chuckled at the blushing girl, "However, it's not you." He grinned as he watched the girl's bright face filled with hurt and sadness.

"L-listen Sephiroth, I don't have time for you to play with me… Shouldn't you worry about Tifa and not me?" Aeris glimmered at him as she grabbed her purse about to leave.

"That is why I am exactly here Ms. Aeris," He watched her hesitated with her hand still on her purse. He continued, "I am very fond of your friend and cannot let her go. But I am afraid she too has fallen in love."

Aeris brought her hands to her mouth in shock, "With Cloud?" Her heart was breaking praying to Shiva that it isn't so.

Sephiroth just casually nodded as he sipped his scotch. Aeris couldn't help but noticed how calm and collected he was even after saying his girlfriend fell in love with her boyfriend.

"What do you have in mind?" She asked the professor quietly.

Sephiroth eyes narrowed, "Obviously we cannot let that happen. Do you trust me Aeris?"

She shifted uncomfortably in her seat as she nervously looked around at the semi-empty lounge they were sitting in.

"Do you love Cloud? I will make it so he never leaves your side," Sephiroth proposed quietly as he continued observing the nervous girl.

"W-what are you going to do?" Her heart was racing as she was getting cold sweats from the thick air that was emitting from him.

"Just make sure you have your phone with you. I heard from Tifa that Cloud has always gone to your rescue when you were in trouble?" Sephiroth gave a devious smile as she slowly nodded.

"S-so what does that have to do with anything?" Aeris stuttered as she looked down at the table while nervously playing with her martini glass.

"Do not fret Aeris, I will not put you in any danger if that is what you are thinking. You do trust me do you not?" He said coolly as he watched her face relaxed only a small amount. She hesitantly nodded.

"That's a good girl," He chuckled as he placed his rather cool hand over her hot hand. She jumped at his unexpected touch and slid her hand away from his as she gathered her purse into her sweaty hands.

"When are you planning on carrying out your actions?" Aeris inquired curiously.

Sephiroth continued the devious grin, "Well if I tell you when, it will not be so believable now will it?"

Aeris couldn't bear to be in the booth with the silver haired man any longer. "I have to go meet Cloud for dinner…" She got up with her purse in hand and quickly left the lounge.

Aeris couldn't help the black hole that was developing in the pit of her stomach. The feeling of being around Serphiroth was…

Terrifying.

…

"Something on your mind?" Cloud asked Aeris as he drove her home in his jeep from dinner. "You have been quiet all throughout dinner."

"Huh?" Aeris looked over at Cloud. Her mind was clouded from the conversation she had with Sephiroth prior to dinner. She fidgeted with her purse as she continued to glance out the window at the scenery rolling by.

"Sorry Cloud, I was just thinking that's all…"

"About?" He gently probed.

She remained quiet for just a moment, "Well the last semester is really tough. So I am swamped his homework and projects." She half-heartedly somewhat told the truth to him. She glanced up at the side of his face as he stared forward at the road. Her stomach is always filled with those little butterflies every time she could get a chance to look at him.

I am so happy that he is mine… I love him even if he loves someone else…

Tears weld in her eyes as she glanced away from him to hide her face in the darkness. They slowly came to a stop as she noticed they were parked in front of her apartment building. He shut off the engine to his jeep. Cloud never shut off the engine before, he always drop her off quickly then drove away.

Her heart started to twinge as she was expecting the end. Her tears started to tumble which she quickly wiped away. She heard a sigh coming from his direction.

"Aeris we need to talk…" Cloud voice filled the silence. It was dripping with hints or regret.

Her heart was breaking as she knew, she remained silent.

"Aeris?" He reached out for her hand and grasped it. His touch was killing her, but she still did not want him to let her go even if it does. She quickly put on her mask and turned to face Cloud with a happy smile.

"Sorry Cloud, I am so tired and want to head to bed. Can we talk later?" She leaned forward and kissed his soft lips. She lingered just for a moment as she took in his scent. As she pulled back his face was calm yet anguished as he needed to let her know. She quickly went got out of the door and walked in her apartment building not looking back.

She pulled out her phone and glided her fingers across before hitting the send button.

'Please do it as soon as possible.'

To be Continued…

Ahhhh so Sephiroth does has a darker side to him!

Getting pretty juicy now! What is he going to do!

Thank you so much for reading Seven. I appreciated each and every review.

Please leave me your thoughts and love!

Until next time...

xoxoxo- iheartkiwi